After one hundred and forty-four days, the long wait was over. Arjuna, the invincible Dhananjaya, returned to Indraprastha with Subhadra. The golden chariots rolled through the grand gates of the Kuru capital, the sound of conch shells heralding the arrival of the prince and his new bride.

The palace courtyard was alive with anticipation. Kunti stood at the forefront, her eyes glistening with tears. Vasusena stood beside her, his calm gaze resting upon his younger brother, while Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva waited with expectant grins. The women of the palace, adorned in their finest silks and jewels, whispered among themselves as the chariot came to a halt.

Ulupi was the first to step forward, cradling little Iravan in her arms. Her dark eyes softened when they met Arjuna's, but a shadow flickered across them when her gaze shifted toward Subhadra. Chitrangada followed closely behind, her face radiant with the soft glow of pregnancy. Her hand rested protectively over her swelling belly as her lips curved into a tentative smile. Both women exchanged glances that carried quiet understanding and a subtle undercurrent of pain.

Subhadra stepped down from the chariot and folded her hands in a respectful greeting. Kunti rushed forward, her arms outstretched, and pulled Subhadra into a tight embrace. "I never thought this would happen," Kunti whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Welcome to the Kuru family, my child."

Subhadra smiled faintly and bowed, touching Kunti's feet in reverence. As the moment turned solemn, Bhima's booming voice shattered the stillness.

"Arjuna!" Bhima laughed, clapping a heavy hand on his brother's shoulder. "I don't think anyone in Aryavarta can match your speed! In four months, you begot a son, married not once, but thrice—and another child of yours is about to be born! Wah, Dhananjaya! Even the gods must be applauding you!"

Arjuna rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly while Bhima continued, his grin widening.

"I mean, how do you even find the time?" Nakula added, his tone light.

"Perhaps he carries a divine blessing!" Sahadeva teased, his eyes gleaming mischievously.

Arjuna sighed and shook his head. "You all haven't changed one bit."

Vasusena chuckled, stepping forward to clasp Arjuna's arm. "Welcome back, Anuj."

Arjuna bowed respectfully and then turned toward Bhishma, touching his feet. The grandsire's eyes softened as he touched Arjuna's head in silent blessing.

Laughter and light banter rippled through the courtyard as Arjuna greeted each of his family members. But even amid the warmth of the reunion, his eyes scanned the gathering, searching for one face.

Niyati noticed the restlessness in his gaze. Stepping toward him, her eyes glinted with quiet amusement. "Looking for someone?" she asked knowingly.

Arjuna's brows knit together. "Where is Krishnaa?"

Niyati smirked. "She is angry with you."

Arjuna's face paled. "Angry? With me?"

"Of course." Niyati folded her arms. "How can you marry thrice while she is waiting for you?"

Arjuna's shoulders sagged. "I thought... seeing the happy faces of Ulupi and Chitrangada... I assumed she was at peace with it."

Niyati's smile sharpened. "Why would she be angry at them? It is you who is the cause of her ire."

Arjuna sighed, running a hand through his hair. "What shall I do?"

Niyati shrugged playfully. "That is for you to figure out." She walked away, leaving Arjuna standing in quiet despair.

As she walked toward Subhadra, Arjuna turned toward his new wife and said with a half-smile, "Listen, Subhadra, do anything, but do not become like your brother and sister. The most confusing people on Prithvi!"

The others erupted in laughter as Arjuna left toward Draupadi's chambers.

He stood before the heavy carved doors, hesitating. Taking a breath, he pushed them open. "Krishnaa..." his soft voice said as he entered the room.

Draupadi sat near the window, her long, dark hair cascading down her back. She didn't turn.

"Krishnaa... please listen to me." Arjuna stepped closer. "Let me explain."

"Explain?" Draupadi's voice was calm but sharp. She turned toward him, her dark eyes gleaming. "Which part should you explain, Arjuna? The part where you stole Krishna's chariot? Or the part where you married his sister?"

Arjuna sighed. "I... didn't intend to hurt you."

Draupadi tilted her head. "O Kunti's son, go to the daughter of the Satvatas. A second load always loosens the first tie, however strong."

Arjuna winced at her words. He knelt before her, taking her hand. "Krishnaa... you are my heart. Nothing, no one, can replace you."

Draupadi's expression softened, though her eyes remained guarded. "Convince me," she said, her lips curling into a mischievous smile.

Later, Arjuna returned to Subhadra, who was dressed in red silk. Without a word, he handed her garments made of rough cotton.

"What is this?" Subhadra asked.

"Dress as a cowherd lady," Arjuna said quietly.

Gasps filled the room as Subhadra accepted them. Chitrangada whispered, "Aren't you hurt? On the first day, Arya asked you to dress like this?"

Subhadra smiled. "You see her?" She gestured toward Niyati, who stood nearby with a serene smile. "She is my Bhagini. Why should I fear that the one who always stood with me would be fine with this? If I am doing the right thing, it is not shameful."

A hushed silence settled over the gathering. Vasusena leaned toward Niyati. "How come such peculiar people are born in your family?"

Niyati's eyes gleamed. "Are you saying Bua is peculiar, Jyeshta?"

Kunti's sharp glare silenced Vasusena, who promptly stepped away, drawing a ripple of laughter from the crowd.

Subhadra approached Draupadi and bowed deeply. "I am your maid," she said softly.

Draupadi's eyes softened. She stood and pulled Subhadra into a warm embrace. "Let your husband not have a rival," Draupadi said gently.

Subhadra smiled faintly. "May it be that way."

Draupadi's gaze lingered on Subhadra. "This marriage is different from others. Ulupi and Chitrangada were Arjuna's wives before you. But you—"

"I must share him with them," Subhadra finished, her tone steady.

Draupadi nodded. "You will need strength, wisdom, and patience to maintain harmony. Remember, being a wife to a Pandava means balancing your heart with your duty."

Subhadra's eyes shone with quiet understanding. "I will remember your words, Bhagini."

Draupadi smiled. "Good. Now, welcome to the family."

Arrival of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas

Word had spread like wildfire that Arjuna had returned to Indraprastha. The city, supreme among all cities, buzzed with anticipation. When the news reached Madhava's ears, he knew what had to be done. With Balarama at his side and an assembly of the most formidable Vrishnis and Andhakas, he set forth for Indraprastha.

Shouri (strength and prowess of Krishna) led a vast army surrounded by hundreds of soldiers, his brothers, and his sons. Akrura, the wise lord of alms and vanquisher of foes, rode beside him, his presence radiating calm authority. Anadhrishti's immense energy crackled in the air while Uddhava, the immensely learned disciple of Brihaspati, exuded quiet intelligence. Satyaka and Satyaki marched together, their Satvata lineage glinting through their bearing. Kritavarma walked alongside Pradyumna and Samba, youthful warriors whose valour already mirrored their fathers'.

Nishatha, Shanku, Charudeshna, Jhilli, Viprithu, Sarana, and Gada, all mighty in arms and supreme in knowledge, followed in a grand procession. The air shimmered with the sound of jingling harnesses and the rhythmic stomp of horse hooves. Bearing gifts befitting the grandeur of the Pandavas, they advanced toward Khandavaprastha.

The city prepared itself to receive such honoured guests. The roads were scrubbed until they gleamed, then sprinkled with cool water. Flowers in a riot of colours lay scattered across the streets. The sweet aroma of sandalwood and aloe mingled with the crisp morning air while the city's finest incense burned in ornate holders, leaving trails of sacred smoke. Merchants filled the streets, their stalls bursting with vibrant wares, and the citizens stood freshly bathed, eager to glimpse Madhava's divine form.

Hearing of Krishna's arrival, Yudhishthira sent Nakula and Sahadeva to receive him. The young princes rode out swiftly, their chariots cutting through the festive throng. As Krishna descended from his chariot, Nakula stepped forward with a deep bow. "Brata, the city stands still in your honour. Your presence blesses it beyond measure."

Krishna smiled, his eyes reflecting the calm depths of the ocean. "Indraprastha's splendour is a reflection of your dharma, Nakula."

Sahadeva, standing beside his brother, added reverently, "Jyeshta and Brata Yudhishthira awaits you. Please allow us to escort you."

The prosperous Vrishnis followed them through the city gates. The fluttering of silk pennants in the breeze, the ringing of temple bells, and the low murmur of prayers formed a sacred backdrop as they entered the palace.

Krishna stepped into the palace hall, the golden light of countless lamps catching the soft hue of his yellow robes. Yudhishthira rose from his seat and walked toward him with a smile that lit up his face. Without a word, he kissed Krishna on the forehead, then pulled him into a firm embrace. "Janardhana," Yudhishthira whispered, "my heart is at peace now that you are here."

Krishna's smile widened. "Brata, peace has always been where you stand."

Vasusena folded his hands and said, "Haladhara, your presence strengthens Indraprastha as the earth draws strength from the mountains."

Balarama smiled, his broad shoulders relaxing. "Jyeshta, may Indraprastha stand as firm as the mountains themselves."

Krishna then approached Bhima and Yuyutsu. "Brata Bhima," he said warmly, "your strength still commands the earth beneath your feet."

Bhima grinned. "And yet, your presence makes the earth bloom, Govinda." Yuyutsu and Krishna quietly embraced each other.

With the practised ease of a king, Yudhishthira welcomed each of the Vrishnis and Andhakas according to their standing. He honoured the elders with due respect, greeted his equals with warmth, and embraced the younger ones with affection. The hall echoed with voices—joyful exchanges and heartfelt words of kinship.

Later, Vasudeva presented gifts of staggering wealth to the groom's party and as a dowry for Subhadra. Rows of golden chariots, each yoked to four pristine horses, gleamed in the sunlight. Their harnesses were strung with delicate nets of bells that chimed softly with every movement. Skilled charioteers stood at attention beside them, their eyes sharp and focused.



From Mathura, Krishna gifted one thousand cows of the most auspicious hue, their horns tipped with gold, their udders full of sweet milk. A thousand white horses stood ready, gleaming like moonbeams and adorned with golden bridles. Among them were two sets of five hundred mules, white with black manes, swift as the wind and well-trained.



Krishna's generosity did not stop there. One thousand young women stood in formation, radiant in complexion and dressed in fine silk. Each wore a necklace of one hundred gold pieces and was adorned with exquisite ornaments. Their eyes were cast downward in modesty, but their poise spoke of refinement and skill.



From the land of Dasarha, Krishna sent ten man-loads of gold, both worked and unworked, gleaming with the radiance of fire itself.



Balarama, standing by Krishna's side, smiled. "Phalguna," he said to Arjuna, "this alliance deserves strength as much as wealth."

He then presented one thousand elephants—massive as mountain peaks, their tusks gleaming and their broad backs adorned with golden bells. The musk of their secretions flowed down their flanks in three steady streams. "These elephants," Balarama said, "have never known defeat. They will bear your banner on every battlefield."

Yuyutsu looked at his Balarama and smiled. "Brata Haladhara, your gifts reflect the strength of your heart."

The vast array of wealth resembled an ocean in its magnitude. Garments of silk and soft blankets resembled foam upon their surface. The elephants stood like mighty crocodiles, the golden banners like aquatic plants swaying in the current. This river of prosperity flowed into the ocean of the Pandavas, swelling their treasury to the brim. The eyes of their enemies darkened with despair.



Yudhishthira accepted the gifts with grace. "Madhava, Haladhara," he said, "your friendship is more precious than all the earth's riches."

Krishna's eyes softened. "And your dharma, Brata Dharmaraj, is the true treasure that binds us all."

After the formalities, the gathering settled into a relaxed ease. The grand hall was filled with fragrant air and the quiet hum of conversation. Balarama, seated comfortably beside Krishna, cast his gaze toward Draupadi, sitting between Yudhishthira and Bhima.

"Krishnaa," Balarama's baritone voice carried efficiently across the hall. "You seem to glow more radiantly than ever. How far along are you now?"

Draupadi smiled, placing a hand over her stomach. "Sixth month," she said softly.

"Ah, time flows swiftly," Balarama said with a smile. "The next generation already stirs within the womb."

Chitrangada's voice followed, gentle yet precise. "I have entered the third month."

"Wonderful!" Balarama nodded approvingly. "The house of the Kurus grows stronger with each birth."

Pradyumna, his heart light and his smile easy, leaned toward Niyati, seated beside Krishna. "Bua," he chirped, "when will you become a mother?" She glanced toward Krishna, who watched the scene with a knowing smile.

"I have already begotten a son," Pradyumna added proudly. "We named him Aniruddha."

All eyes turned toward Niyati, and a faint tension crept into the air. Before Niyati could say anything, Arjuna's voice cut through the moment with quiet authority. "It's their matter," Arjuna said, his tone steady but sharp. "Why trouble them with such questions?" His gaze softened slightly as he added, "Our home already has many children. Niyati treats them as her own. That is enough."

Krishna's eyes sparkled with amusement, and a chuckle escaped his lips. Niyati smiled at Arjuna, her expression soft with gratitude.

Balarama gave a slight nod of approval, but Pradyumna, unaffected by the undercurrent, grinned. "Of course, Mamashree. But still, it would be wonderful to have more cousins to play with." While Niyati was tight-lipped, Krishna's hand brushed over hers briefly in silent reassurance.

A Cosmic Reckoning

The murmur of the Yamuna's current whispered against the stillness of the evening, the last traces of twilight dissolving into the velvet embrace of the approaching night. Niyati sat at the riverbank, her feet barely touching the calm waters. Her eyes were closed, and her breath aligned with the cosmic pulse that flowed through her veins—a rhythm not of this earth but of realms beyond. The celestial energies vibrated around her, weaving with the subtle hum of the universe.

A quiet footstep disturbed the sand. Niyati opened her eyes and found Krishna standing beside her, his form silhouetted against the pale moonlight. His usual playful warmth was absent. A solemn weight darkened his lotus-petal eyes.

"I have something to discuss with you," Krishna said in a grave voice, his gaze steady upon her.

The depth of his tone startled Niyati. Her brows furrowed as she searched his face. "Is everything well, Narayana?" she asked, her tone tinged with concern. "Is there something I missed? But at this moment... There is no imbalance in any universe. Did Para Vishnu create a new realm?"

Krishna smiled faintly, but there was sorrow beneath it — a sadness that touched the marrow of existence. "No, Niyati," he said softly. "It is not about the universe. It is about you... and me."

Niyati's eyes sharpened with quiet confusion. "What is it that I don't know about us?"

Krishna's gaze turned to the waters, the moon's reflection shimmering with fragile light. His expression darkened. "Do you remember, Niyati? Before you descended into this mortal realm, I sought a boon from Para Niyati. I asked for something from you... and you granted it."

Niyati frowned her divine memory stirring. "But, Brata... I don't recall granting you anything."

"Because I told you to forget once you gave it to me."



Niyati's heart tightened. Her expression turned serious. "And what was this boon?"

Krishna's eyes softened with ancient knowledge. "That you would embrace motherhood."

Niyati sighed, her lips curving faintly. "Is that it? I have already told you that Mahadev and I will merge our cosmic energies when right. A child born from that union will manifest when the divine will ordains it."

Krishna's gaze hardened. "No, Niyati. Not from your energy." He turned toward her fully. "From your flesh."

Niyati's breath stilled. A sharp edge laced her voice. "Narayana..."

Krishna's voice was quiet, but there was steel beneath it. "If you have descended into this realm to restore Dharma, then I want your child to stand beside Parikshit and Vajra to uphold the establishment of Dharma when the time comes."

Niyati's eyes darkened with cold disbelief. Her lips curled into a bitter smile. "Ah... so the rumours were true after all. The Asuras used to say that Narayana would do anything for the sake of Dharma. Even backstabbing." Her voice sharpened with bitterness. "I see now that your avatars might change... but the essence of Narayana remains unchanged."

Her eyes flashed dangerously. "Today, I learned that Narayana can betray even his sister for the sake of Dharma."

Krishna's mouth tightened. His silence was deafening.

"You knew," Niyati's voice trembled with uncontained fury. "You knew the celestials would perform penance. You knew this would complicate my cosmic balance. And yet you acted indifferent. You wanted to test me to see if I would bend to the will of Dharma."

Her breath quickened, her power crackling beneath her skin. "And if I succeeded?" Her eyes narrowed dangerously. "The next time Dvapara Yuga returns... You wouldn't invite me. You would create another Niyati from your Maya and use her in my place."

Her chest heaved. "I have always known more about you than anyone else. And yet... did I ever reveal it? No. I never betrayed you because I saw you as my brother. We Gods may not share the same womb, but we share something deeper." Her voice cut the air. "And you would ask me to create a child from my flesh? Do you not see how that fractures the cosmic balance, Narayana?"

A sudden tremor spread beneath their feet.

The earth rumbled violently. A cry erupted from the depths of the Yamuna as the river thrashed and spiralled into the air. The sky above darkened unnaturally as thunder roared across the horizon. The celestial realms quivered. The ground beneath Aryavarta splintered. Buildings collapsed. The people of Indraprastha screamed as the tremors worsened.

Standing in the palace courtyard, Yuyutsu was still. His eyes darkened. He turned sharply and began running toward the Yamuna.

"Follow him!" Bhima roared.

Vasusena's voice cut through the chaos. "Pitamah! Kakashree! Nakula, Sahadeva protect the people! Krodhini and Stambhinī ensure the children are safe and stay with Pitamah!"

A fierce radiance erupted from Niyati's form. Her fury was turning celestial. Krishna sat silently beneath it, his eyes downcast. He did not try to stop her.

Niyati's power erupted from her form, blinding in its radiance. The earth beneath her feet cracked open, the sand turning to molten glass beneath the heat of her fury. Her eyes flared white as divine light poured from her skin.



Bhima stumbled as the ground shuddered beneath him. "What is happening?"

Arjuna's eyes widened as he turned toward the river. "Niyati..."

Draupadi's breath caught. "This... this is her true form..."

Ulupi's face paled. "Do not approach her!" she warned. "You will burn."

A single voice cut through the storm. "Shri Krishna..."

Yuyutsu emerged from the haze, his gaze burning with unearthly light. His expression was complex with disbelief and rage. "What have you done?"

Krishna's gaze finally lifted.

Yuyutsu's voice trembled with anger. "I told you to let it go!" His steps quickened, his voice sharpening with raw fury. "She agreed to the path. She agreed to stand with Dharma. Why push her beyond that?" His voice broke. "She is your sister!"

Balarama stepped forward, his serpent soul stirring beneath his mortal form. His voice was steady. "Mahamahim Yuyutsu... Kanha does nothing without reason. Please... listen to him."

Yuyutsu's eyes turned cold. "Not now, Shesha. He crossed the line."

A sudden eruption of flames shot from Niyati's form, blinding and violent. The trees along the river ignited. The celestials descended from the heavens. Indra, Surya, and Agni all knelt before Niyati. "Mata... Shanti... Shanti..."



Indra's voice shook with reverence. "Please... Mata..."

Yuyutsu strode toward Niyati. Flames radiated from her form. He gripped her shoulders. "Agni Dev... NOW!"

A burst of flames exploded from Niyati's form, only to be absorbed by Agni. Then, Agni turned into a spiral of fire before dissolving into the heavens.



Niyati's eyes rolled back. Her form sagged into Yuyutsu's arms. He lifted her gently, his face pale with strain. His gaze burned into Krishna. "It's her choice, Shri Krishna." His tone sharpened. "Remember who she is. If you push her further, the following war may end not only this world but also existence itself."

Krishna's expression did not change. But his eyes darkened.

Yuyutsu's gaze softened as he cradled Niyati's unconscious form. His eyes lingered on Krishna. "I don't want us to fight, Krishna," he whispered. "But if you continue down this path... You might leave me no choice."

Krishna's expression remained calm. But his hand tightened at his side.

Yuyutsu turned and disappeared into the night, carrying Niyati in his arms.

Krishna stood beneath the darkened sky, the echo of the storm lingering in the air. His eyes remained steady upon the river's reflection. His mouth curled into a faint, bittersweet smile. "So be it," he whispered.

The Burden of Dharma

The first light of dawn filtered through the delicate weave of the silk curtains, casting soft golden streaks across the marble floor. A gentle breeze stirred the pale drapes, carrying the faint murmur of birdsong and the distant rush of the Yamuna's eternal flow. Niyati's eyes fluttered open. The weight of exhaustion clung to her body, but her mind was painfully alert. She sat up slowly, the cool morning air brushing against her skin.

She stood, wrapping a light shawl over her shoulders, and walked toward the window. Outside, the world was pristine, untouched — as though nothing had happened. The river flowed calmly, the sky painted in soft hues of rose and amber. The ground, which had splintered beneath her wrath, was unscarred. The trees stood unburnt, their leaves glistening with dew.

Her lips curled into a bitter smile. Mahakaal has ensured it, she thought. No one remembers.

No one... except him. And her. And Narayana.

Her eyes darkened. Her chest tightened; the weight of that knowledge pressed against her ribs, cold and unforgiving. Krishna had erased the memory from all minds, but the truth remained etched into her soul and his.

A quiet sound stirred behind her. A measured step, deliberate and familiar. She did not turn.

Yuyutsu approached, his gaze soft with quiet understanding. He lowered himself beside her, his hand resting lightly on the marble edge of the window. His eyes sought hers, patient, unwavering. "Niyati." his voice was quiet, careful. "Whatever Narayana did... it is because"

"I know, Mahadev." Her voice was steady yet brittle beneath the weight of her restraint.

Yuyutsu's gaze sharpened, his mouth parting slightly.

"I know." Her eyes darkened. A thin, bitter chuckle slipped from her lips. "He is not wrong. He can never be wrong."

Yuyutsu's jaw tensed.

Niyati turned toward him, her expression shadowed beneath the golden light. "He wants a child from our flesh." Her voice was too calm, the kind of calm that only concealed a storm beneath. "Because that child's lineage will help him at the end of Kaliyug."

Yuyutsu's brows knit together, his eyes narrowing.

Niyati's gaze turned toward the distant horizon, where the sun slowly ascended the sky. "In that lineage... only Dharma will prevail. Nothing else. Adharma will never touch anyone tied to that child's bloodline." Her voice sharpened, her eyes turning cold. "He wants souls so pure that even at the end of Kaliyug, when darkness reigns, and sin corrodes the very core of existence, those souls will remain untarnished. Untouched by corruption. Such purity..." Her breath hitched. "...will give him the power to end Asur Kali."

Yuyutsu's breath slowed. His hands curled over his knees, and his gaze darkened with understanding. "That is why he wants this child," Niyati whispered.

A long silence stretched between them. Only the sound of the river answered.

Niyati pushed away from the window and walked toward the centre of the room. The soft rustle of silk followed her. Her shoulders tensed, her back straight as though bracing for a blow. "I know everything," she said softly. Her eyes glistened beneath the light. "And that hurts the most, doesn't it, Mahadev? Knowing everything."

Yuyutsu's breath quickened. His gaze burned into her back.

She turned, her eyes bright with unshed tears. "But having only pure souls... that is a cosmic imbalance." Her voice trembled. "Pure souls cannot survive in Kaliyug, where sin rules... where deception and betrayal are not merely survival but necessity." Her voice sharpened, cutting through the quiet. "To birth such purity... is to condemn them to death."

Yuyutsu's breath caught.

"Do you not see it?" Niyati's eyes burned with anguish. "Asura Kali will hunt them. He will seek not to corrupt them because he cannot but to destroy them. And those children... that lineage... they will live every day in fear. They will fight, they will bleed, they will die."

Tears spilt down her cheeks. Her breath hitched. "And it will be because of us."

Yuyutsu rose, his form tense with restrained power. His hand reached toward her, but Niyati stepped back. "The truth is..." Her voice lowered to a whisper. "Neither you nor I were born normally."

Yuyutsu's eyes sharpened.

"The day you weren't born from that Vaishya woman..." Her gaze softened with a quiet pain. "You altered yourself into a child behind closed door. You reshaped your cosmic form to become mortal." Her lips parted. "And I..." Her hand trembled against her chest. "You know how I came."

Yuyutsu's hand curled into a fist. His eyes darkened. "Niyati—"

"You were not meant to exist in this form," Niyati whispered. "Neither was I."

Yuyutsu's throat tightened. "Niyati..."

Her eyes met his, a strange vulnerability beneath the storm of her gaze. "Anything for Dharma." Her smile was faint, brittle. "We have to do our duty."

Yuyutsu's expression twisted, his brows furrowing.

"But you know what this means," she said softly. "If we consummate if we unite our energies..."

"The cosmos will shift." Yuyutsu's voice was low.

"Not just this galaxy." Niyati's gaze darkened. "Every galaxy. Every plane of existence. Some might burn. Some might collapse." Her breath sharpened. "Time itself will warp. I have ensured that time runs fast enough for Kaliyug to restart soon."

Yuyutsu's hands trembled at his sides.

"And if we come together..." Niyati's eyes gleamed with an unnatural light. "Time will fracture. Fates will change."

She stepped toward him. "As Mahakaal... if you can stabilize the time..." Her voice softened. "Then I, as Para Niyati, will stabilize the fates."

Yuyutsu's breath quickened.

"And for one night..." Her gaze darkened. "Narayana will have to sustain the cosmos." Her mouth curled. "With all his might."

Yuyutsu's breath faltered. His hands trembled.

Niyati's gaze sharpened. "Then yes... it can happen."

A long silence.

Yuyutsu's chest heaved. His gaze burned into hers. "I am breaking my promise to you, Devi." His voice trembled. "Kshama."

Niyati smiled a strange, fragile smile. A single tear trickled down her cheek. "Anything for Dharma, Mahadeva."

Yuyutsu stepped toward her, his hand brushing against her cheek. His fingers trembled as they traced the line of her jaw. His gaze burned with quiet anguish and acceptance.

A sudden wind stirred through the chamber. The soft rustling of the curtains seemed distant beneath the quiet thrum of the cosmos awakening beneath their feet. The weight of fate pressed down upon them. And in the stillness of that sacred moment... The universe held its breath.

The Awakening of Prativindhya

The dawn had barely touched the horizon, yet the air was already trembling with an unspeakable weight, a shift so profound that even the cosmos seemed to shudder beneath its force.

Prativindhya stood alone in the courtyard, his gaze searching for his Guru - Yuyutsu. It was the same hour his Kakashree would usually arrive to teach him, but Today... Today was different. A strange heaviness settled upon him, a pressure that seemed to rise from the very earth beneath his feet.

He took a step forward, but his body refused to comply. His legs trembled, his breath caught painfully in his chest, and without warning, his knees collapsed beneath him. A ragged gasp escaped his lips as he clutched his chest. His heart pounded wildly as though the very air had turned against him. His hands pressed into the cold ground, his body convulsing under an unseen force.

Vasusena, standing nearby, noticed it first. His eyes widened in alarm as he rushed toward his nephew. "Prativindhya!" His voice was sharp with fear. Within moments, Yudhishthira and Draupadi were by his side, their faces etched with growing panic.

Bhima's eyes narrowed as he turned toward Arjuna, his voice tense. "The last time this happened..." He hesitated, the memory a dark stain upon his mind. "It was when Yuyutsu and Ulupi awakened his elemental connection. But, this... this feels even worse."

Arjuna's gaze sharpened, his mind calculating the weight of Bhima's words. He turned toward Ulupi, standing silently at the edge of the gathering. "Is this connected to his earth element?"

But before Ulupi could speak, a quiet yet commanding voice pierced through the tension.

"Stop." Shri Krishna's figure emerged from the shadows, his presence radiating a calm authority that stilled the chaos in an instant. He walked toward Vasusena and knelt beside the trembling Prativindhya, his hand brushing the boy's forehead with infinite tenderness. Without looking up, he said softly, "Today... do not disturb them. Not Yuyutsu. Not Niyati. Not even me or Prativindhya."

His gaze lifted toward Balarama and Ulupi. "You both know what is happening. Therefore, stay calm."

Ulupi's expression remained impassive, but Balarama's jaw tightened. Shri Krishna stepped forward, his dark eyes flashing with rare intensity. "Do not question this. Not Today. Trust me."

Before anyone could respond, a sudden shift in the air announced the arrival of celestial authority. Maharishi Atri and Vashishtha stepped forward, flanked by Mata Anasuya and Arundhati. The weight of their combined presence caused the atmosphere to thicken with divine gravity.

Maharishi Atri's voice resonated like a sacred bell. "Shri Krishna... we shall stand as gatekeepers. None shall pass into this sacred moment. If any dare to interfere..." His eyes darkened. "They shall bear the curse of eternity."

A sharp gasp rippled through the gathering. Even Bhima stiffened at the severity of those words.

Bhishma stepped forward, his face carved from stone. His gaze swept across the assembly, silencing any lingering doubt. "We have heard them. And we shall obey." His voice was cold and unyielding. "We all know Yuyutsu is the disciple of Mahadeva. We know how Niyati was born. And we understand the divinity that flows through Shri Krishna. Prativindhya... he carries the Panchabhootas within him. Let us not interfere with what is unfolding."

Bhishma's hand tightened around the hilt of his sword as he stepped forward. "Today, I too shall stand as a gatekeeper."

When Krishna reached his chambers, Prativindhya's body writhed under the invisible weight. His tiny hands clawed at the ground, his breath escaping in shallow bursts. A single word escaped his trembling lips. "Mamashree... it's... hurting..."

Shri Krishna's gaze softened. He knelt before the boy, his hand resting against Prativindhya's cheek. His eyes brimmed with sorrow. "Kshama, Putra..." he whispered. "This is happening now because you are the embodiment of the Panchabhootas. The cosmos shifts, and your soul feels it."

A golden barrier materialized around them as Shri Krishna gently raised Prativindhya to his feet. "This should have happened much later," he said quietly. "But the balance has shifted. Time itself is bending. Therefore... I, Narayana, shall bestow the knowledge of the Panchabhootas upon you."

Prativindhya's body lifted into the air as a dazzling storm of energies erupted around him. The five elements surged toward him from every corner of existence: fire, water, earth, air, and ether, each coiling around his small frame, binding to his soul.



Pain seared through his veins, so intense that a scream tore from his throat. But above the roar of the elements, one voice cut through the storm steady, unwavering.

"For the sake of Dharma."

Prativindhya's eyes widened. That voice... it was the same as his Kakashree Yuyutsu's. The same calm strength. The same unshakable conviction.

Tears burned his eyes as his body arched against the overwhelming force. His hands trembled as the elements pulled at him, demanding surrender. But he didn't yield. He forced his feet toward the ground for stability. Toward balance.

His tiny hands stretched outward, and his trembling gaze lifted toward Shri Krishna. And in that moment, what he saw was no mere mortal. He saw Narayana, the Preserver of the Cosmos, his form illuminating the endless darkness.

With staggering strength, Prativindhya pressed his palms together and bowed.

Shri Krishna's lips curved into a proud smile as he embraced Prativindhya. "You have done well, Putra," he whispered against the boy's dark hair. "You have endured what even the strongest men could not bear."



Under Shri Krishna's guidance, Prativindhya sat in the centre of the courtyard, his eyes closed in deep meditation. The elements swirled around him, but they obeyed his will this time. His breathing slowed, his heart steadied, and the storm bent to his command.

Far above them, Narayana's form shimmered into existence, his divine presence expanding across the infinite planes of existence. Every universe trembled as Narayana's power stretched across creation, preserving the fragile fabric of reality: every life, fate, and time thread balanced on the edge of his divine will.

The celestial realms shuddered under the magnitude of what had just transpired. Para Brahma, the Supreme Soul, stirred a ripple through the very fabric of existence. Para Shiva the Eternal Destroyer stood still within the void, his trident aglow with awareness. Para Adi Shakti, the Cosmic Mother, lifted her gaze, her lotus eyes widening with understanding.

Their combined presence wove through the threads of time, existence, and fate, ensuring that the natural order remained unshaken despite this momentous awakening. None would interfere; none would dare alter the balance that had now aligned.

The celestials above whispered among themselves. The stars blinked brighter, the planets shifted slightly in their course, and a quiet understanding passed through the universe.

Krishna's gaze lifted toward the heavens. His expression was tranquil, yet his smile had an undercurrent of knowing. This was only the beginning. Niyati and Yuyutsu's path was now tied to the heartbeat of creation itself. Destiny had stirred, and the cosmos had answered.

Union of Fate and Eternity

The night had wrapped itself in a profound stillness, and the stars seemed to hold their breath. The cosmos trembled, sensing the convergence of forces far beyond mortal comprehension. The soft glow of moonlight cascaded over them within the dimly lit chamber. Niyati and Yuyutsu were no longer just man and woman but Fate and Eternity incarnate.

Niyati stood before him, her gaze steady yet heavy with the weight of understanding. A quiet storm brewed beneath her calm exterior, the burden of knowing all that was, all that is, and all that would come to pass. Yet tonight, the burden would not be hers alone.

Yuyutsu's dark eyes held hers, a quiet storm reflecting at her. He stepped forward, his movements deliberate, his presence echoing primordial power. The air itself seemed to tremble beneath his gaze. Slowly, he raised his hand, his fingertips barely grazing her cheek. A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye, not out of sorrow, but the unbearable gravity of what was about to unfold.

"You know what this means," Yuyutsu said in a low, resonant voice laced with the weight of creation itself.

Niyati's eyes shimmered beneath the moonlight. "Yes. We are not just uniting as men and women... This is a convergence of forces that shape existence itself. If we come together tonight, the threads of fate will realign. Time will shift. Galaxies will burn. And yet..."

She closed her eyes, steadying the trembling in her heart. "It must be done."

Yuyutsu's hand slid down her arm, his touch gentle yet carrying the weight of cosmic inevitability. He leaned closer, his breath warm against her temple. "The universe itself may recoil under the force of our union."

"And yet the cosmos will breathe easier once it is done." She opened her eyes, looking into his with a mortal and eternal gaze. "This is not just about us, Mahadev. The child born from this union will carry the purest Dharma, a lineage that will outlast even the grasp of Asur Kali himself."

Yuyutsu's jaw tightened. "The burden of purity in a world consumed by darkness..."

"And yet it must exist," Niyati whispered. "Even in the darkest hour, Dharma must have a vessel. Even when Kali's grasp tightens around Kaliyug, a light must remain a beacon that cannot be extinguished."

Yuyutsu's hand cupped the back of her neck, his thumb brushing against her pulse. "Then let this be not just a union of flesh, but a merging of creation and dissolution." His forehead pressed against hers, their breaths merging, their heartbeats synchronizing. "We will carry this together."

A single tear slipped down Niyati's cheek. "Anything for Dharma."

Yuyutsu's lips barely brushed against hers, a light touch that shuddered the cosmos. The celestial fabric seemed to ripple as his arms wrapped around her, drawing her closer. Their breaths mingled, and a tremor ran through the universe as their lips finally met. Stars flickered. Galaxies groaned beneath the force of their union. Creation and destruction entwined fate and eternity, folding into one another.



Their hands found each other's skin, reverent, seeking, knowing. His touch was not that of a mortal lover but of the eternal force that holds the cosmos together. Her breath hitched, her body yielding not to lust but to the sacred inevitability of their union. His lips traced the line of her throat, his breath a whisper of creation itself.

Niyati's hands slid over his back, her nails digging into his skin as a quiet gasp escaped her lips. Her body arched into his, responding not to flesh but to the profound pull of cosmic alignment. Her name fell from his lips like a prayer, and the boundary between mortal and divine dissolved in that moment.

The stars outside flared with unnatural light. The moon itself seemed to pulse. The breath of the universe deepened, slowed, and trembled. Every celestial being from the highest Deva to the lowest Asura turned toward the sacred resonance vibrating through the fabric of existence.

As their union deepened, Niyati's breath hitched a sharp intake of air as she felt the shift beneath her skin. Her fingers pressed into his shoulders as her head fell back. A golden light began to pulse from her chest, spreading outward until it mingled with the deep blue radiance emanating from Yuyutsu's heart.

"Niyati..." Yuyutsu whispered against her skin, his voice strained under the weight of what they were becoming.

"Mahadev..." Her hands trembled as they threaded through his hair. "We are becoming one..."

Their breaths synchronized, their bodies melted into each other, and their energies merged until they were no longer two but a single pulse of existence, the rhythm of creation and dissolution entwined.

Beyond them, the cosmos trembled. Time itself seemed to halt. The threads of fate shifted and realigned. Planets burned. Galaxies collapsed and were reborn in an instant. A child's destiny was being woven into the very core of existence, a lineage that would withstand the wrath of Kali and a force of Dharma that would carry through the darkest of ages.

Yuyutsu's forehead pressed against hers, his breath shallow. His hand cradled her face as a single tear slipped from his eye and mingled with hers. "Forgive me..."

Niyati's trembling hand brushed against his cheek. "There is nothing to forgive."



The divine resonance in her voice stilled him. Their lips met once more, and this time, there was no hesitation, only the quiet surrender to a fate they had always known would come to pass. Outside, the stars blazed. Creation itself sighed. The night held its breath as Fate and Eternity became one, not in sin or desire, but in the sacred alignment of Dharma itself.

The Dawn of Mastery and Destiny

The first light of dawn crept over the horizon, casting a soft golden hue across Indraprastha. The air was thick with the lingering vibrations of cosmic energy, the remnants of a sacred union that had reshaped existence. The universe itself seemed to sigh, settling into a new rhythm.

Krishna stood at the threshold, his gaze calm yet piercing. Beside him stood Prativindhya, his young face illuminated by the morning light. His eyes, once carrying childhood innocence, now shimmered with a quiet strength, the kind born from knowing the very pulse of the cosmos.

Suddenly, Draupadi's footsteps echoed through the marble halls. She rushed toward them, her breath quick, her eyes wild with unspoken fear. She knelt before Prativindhya, her hands trembling as they cupped his face. Her dark eyes searched his, desperate for reassurance. "Prativindhya...Putr..."

Prativindhya's gaze softened. His tiny arms wrapped tightly around her as he whispered, "I'm fine, Mata... And from now on, you have me."

Draupadi's breath hitched, tears welling in her eyes as she pressed her forehead against his. Relief flooded through her trembling frame as her fingers tightened around his shoulders. Her gaze lifted toward Krishna. "Govinda?"

Krishna's eyes softened, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Sakhi, do not worry. Everything is fine." His voice was calm, yet the echo of cosmic finality lay beneath it. His gaze lingered on Prativindhya as though seeing beyond the present moment into the threads of time yet unwoven. "Prativindhya has mastered the art of the Panchabhootas. From now on, he will be their lord in this Prithvi."

Draupadi's lips parted in disbelief as her gaze flicked between Krishna and her son. Her heart swelled with a mixture of awe and quiet fear, for she knew the burden that came with such mastery. But Prativindhya's gaze was steady, his hand clasping hers with quiet reassurance. "You don't need to fear anymore, Mata."

Krishna's smile deepened, yet beneath it lay a shadow of knowing. He knew what was to come. He always did.

Krishna walked through the long corridors of Indraprastha, his bare feet whispering against the cold marble. His steps were deliberate, guided by an unseen force. He arrived at the entrance to Niyati's chambers, where Maharishi Vashishtha and Arundhati sat beneath the sacred peepal tree, lost in deep meditation.

As Krishna approached, their eyes slowly opened, calm yet shining with the quiet knowing of ancient souls. They rose to their feet and, without a word, bowed their heads respectfully before him.

Krishna's gaze was steady. "The union is completed, Rishivar."

Vashishtha's face was graced with a knowing smile, and Arundhati's eyes glowed with quiet serenity. They exchanged a glance before turning and walking away, leaving Krishna alone beneath the sacred tree.

He turned toward the garden chamber, where he knew she would be.

Niyati stood beneath the soft canopy of jasmine blossoms, her long dark hair cascading down her back. The golden rays of dawn touched her skin, and for a brief moment, she seemed less a woman and more a fragment of the cosmos itself. Krishna approached quietly. She sensed him before he spoke.

He stood before her, his gaze searching hers. "I can never thank you enough for what you have done, Bhagini." His voice was low, a thread of vulnerability beneath his composed tone. "I am indebted to you. Ask me anything, and I will give it to you."

Niyati's eyes shimmered with a quiet depth. A soft smile curved her lips. "What is there to ask for, Narayan?" Her gaze turned toward the horizon. "I have spent an eternity weaving the lives of mortals, believing everyone had the choice to say no. But today, you made me realize that sometimes they don't have that choice."

Her eyes darkened, shadows passing beneath their calm surface. "This knowledge will help me weave their tales better."

Krishna's smile faded. His gaze dropped for a fleeting moment before he whispered, "So... am I not your brother anymore?"

Niyati's eyes sharpened, the softness in her expression giving way to steel beneath. Her voice was quiet but cutting. "You can betray those who trust you, Narayan. But I, Niyati, cannot. You are still my brother. And you will always be my brother."

Krishna's heart clenched. The weight of her words cut more profoundly than any blade. He forced a smile, though his eyes darkened with the quiet ache of understanding. "Dhanyavaad."

His voice softened. "But I promise you, Bhagini, that the lineage you create will be untouched by Asur Kali. I know Kali will come for them. He will hunt them. But I will shield them. And one day..." His gaze turned toward the distant horizon. "We will defeat Kali. A new Yuga will rise from the ashes."

Niyati's gaze softened. A single nod passed between them, an unspoken understanding as old as time. Without another word, she turned and walked away, her figure fading into the golden light of dawn.

Krishna's eyes followed her until she was gone. From the shadows, Yuyutsu's voice broke the silence. "You always hurt the ones who love you, Narayan."

Krishna's eyes remained on the fading silhouette of Niyati. His lips curled into a faint, bittersweet smile. "What choice do I have, Mahadev?" His voice was quiet, heavy with the weight of knowing. "I must maintain the balance of Dharma. I must fulfil my role even if it means becoming the villain in their eyes."

Yuyutsu stepped closer, his gaze unwavering. "But does it not hurt you?"

Krishna's eyes darkened. "More than them." His voice trembled beneath the weight of truth. "They might forget the pain I inflicted upon them. Their love and devotion may eventually heal the wounds I created. But I..." His gaze sharpened, shadowed by an ancient sorrow. "I will never forget that I couldn't protect them. I had to stand back and let them burn... because gold only emerges after it has endured the fire."

Yuyutsu's eyes softened. He reached forward and embraced Krishna, his arms tightening around his brother's shoulders. Krishna's body tensed briefly before he relaxed beneath Yuyutsu's quiet strength.

Krishna's gaze drifted toward the distance, where Niyati's figure had vanished into the golden haze. "She will bear the burden of fate," he whispered. "And I will bear the burden of knowing."

Yuyutsu pulled away slightly, his hand resting on Krishna's shoulder. "And yet... the world will never understand the cost."

Krishna's smile was faint, wistful. "They were never meant to."

As Yuyutsu's hand fell away, Krishna's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. Niyati's figure had disappeared into the crowd of Indraprastha's mortals — her path realigning with the rhythm of existence itself. Fate had begun its next weave, and the cosmos had already accepted its course.